12 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

this starts out with the characters from vigil transplanted to LA. They both become caught up in an arabs biblical book that has many secrets within! The problem I had with this book was that I wanted to hear more about the story line started in the first book but he chose to not go into that much which disapointed me.

When I began reading Bestiary, I was intrigued by the cover and "by-lines." It seemed to be right up my alley, so to speak (science-archeology-thriller). I didn't realize that it was written by the author of Vigil, a book I had read several years ago (which I now need to re-read).

Bestiary was a very interesting concept for a book, but I thought that there were too many storylines coursing through it. Not that it was difficult to follow them all once I grasped who was who, but I just felt that it did not add anything to the main story. I felt that the book left me wanting to know more: about the beasts themselves (the descriptions did not give me a clear enough image to me); how the family came to be the custodians of the beasts; there was no reference to the "gates of Hell" as it implies on the cover; etc. Also, one of the storylines was apparently based on Vigil (although I had no recollection of the character....which is why I need to re-read it now).

I think that if the author would have stayed more focused on the main story (about the beasts), it would have been more fulfilling (for me, anyway), and honestly, I think it would make an exciting movie, too, if some of the key parts were fleshed out more.

Great story. Even though the main characters are from his other book "Vigil" you don't need to read it to enjoy this one. There area few references to another character from the book, but not enough to take away from this story. Imagine being the caretaker of a "zoo" of mythical beasts. Very good read.

Great plot and well written, starting with Carter Cox excavating La Brea Tar Pit and his wife Beth working for the Getty. A good book to take you on a pleasant vacation in your favorite arm chair. The best Robert Masello I've read yet.
Susi

I really enjoyed this book. I read his book Vigil first and did not even realize this was a continuation on that until I started reading. I think the story line was great and went along at a great pace. I am sure there will be another contuination from this one. Great Read!

Although not advertised as a sequel to "Vigil", several characters are revisited and references to events from "Vigil" are present.

"Bestiary" is a well written and fairly original work. The characters and locales are well developed and the writing is good. There are many interesting scenes.

As a centuries-old Middle Eastern family tries to preserve a group of now-extinct animals, problems seem to come out of the woodwork. How does it end? Truefully, I don't really know.

Despite good writing and original ideas, this books seems to be a cluster of unrelated storis with tenous connections at best. I am still confused as to why it was written. The plot is conspicously missing. Finishing this book is like eating at an upscale restaurant... the food is good but you are still hungry.

Out of respect for Masello's other work, I am giving this book three stars, but it will never be one of my favorites.